Archive · 20 Sep 2026
India Rejects US Tariffs as Russia Sanctions Law Takes Effect
The United States has passed a law aimed at Russia and Iran.
The law allows President Donald Trump to put tariffs as high as 100% on some countries that buy Russian energy.
India and China could be affected because they buy large amounts of Russian crude.
India says these tariffs are unfair and that it will decide where to buy energy on its own.
India wants affordable and reliable energy for its 140 crore people.
The law also adds sanctions against Russian officials, banks, defense networks and ships accused of avoiding restrictions.
India’s reported purchases of Russian crude have already decreased since July.
One analysis says the law might not be strictly enforced because very high prices could hurt countries around the world.
The law may also be reviewed after 180 days, according to the analysis.
India called potential US tariffs on Russian energy purchases unfair and said it will choose commercially viable energy sources independently.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil or gas.
The law expands sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, defense-linked networks and the so-called shadow fleet.
India’s energy imports from Russia reportedly fell from 2.8 million barrels per day in July to 1.4 million in September.
The measure also extends the Iran Sanctions Act for five years, while analysts say enforcement and its impact remain uncertain.
- Who
- The United States under President Donald Trump, India represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, and other major buyers of Russian energy, including China.
- What
- The United States enacted a law authorizing expanded sanctions and potential tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas; India criticized the tariffs and defended its independent energy decisions.
- When
- President Trump signed the law on September 18, 2026. Singh made his comments on the following Saturday, and the law took effect the week before the September 20 analysis.
- Where
- The measures were enacted by the United States and could affect countries including India and China; the reported energy purchases concern Russian exports.
- Why
- The US measure is intended to penalize Russia and address sanctions evasion, while India says it must protect energy security, economic interests and the welfare of its population.
India’s Position
United States Policy
Energy purchasing decisions
India’s Position
India says the tariffs are unfair and that it will independently source energy from commercially viable and economical locations.
United States Policy
The law gives the US president authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue certain purchases of Russian energy.
National priorities
India’s Position
India says protecting the energy supply, economic interests and welfare of its 140 crore people takes priority over pressure from another country.
United States Policy
The United States is using sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions to pressure Russia and countries that support or enable its energy trade.
Likely enforcement and response
India’s Position
The analysis argues India should remain pragmatic, pursue all trade options and wait to see how the law is applied or reviewed.
United States Policy
The legislation establishes a legal mechanism to target major Russian energy buyers, although the articles do not say whether tariffs will ultimately be imposed on India.
- US law
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
- Signing date
- September 18, 2026
- Potential tariff
- Up to 100% on certain countries buying Russian crude oil or natural gas
- Potentially affected buyers
- India and China are identified as major Russian crude purchasers
- India’s stated priority
- Energy security and the welfare of 140 crore people
- Reported Indian crude imports
- 2.8 million barrels per day in July, 2.1 million in August and 1.4 million so far in September
- Legislative votes
- The Senate passed the bill 86-11, and the House passed it 262-159
- Iran provision
- The Iran Sanctions Act was extended for five years
